Surface cleaner



Jan. 23, 1940.

c. HUBBARD SURFACE CLEANER Filed April 22, 1958 V I INIVENTOR. I D011 6*. .fi zlbbarafi ATTORNEYS.

Patented Jan. 23, 194d UNITED STATES PATENT OFF-ICE 2,188,114 SURFACE CLEANER,

Don C. Hubbard, Auburn, Maine Application April 22, 1938, Serial N0. 203,561

I 4 Claims.

My present invention relates to a novel .com- ,bined surface cleaner and scoop of general utility. While many devices have been made to assist in cleaning particular surfaces, their construction precludes their use on dlfierent surfaces.

In the household, for example, a variety of different types. of surfaces regularly require cleaning. These surfaces range from window panes which may be cleaned by a fiat edged wiper to Hi irregular surfaces such as those presented by dinner china dishes and cooking utensils which require scraping. Between these two extremes there are many other surfaces such as the sink which may present both problems and in addild tion require the use of a shovel or a scoop.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a device that may be used satisfactorily for any of these purposes. Because of its wide utility, I prefer to mold it from such a substance as m "Neoprene which is not destructively affected by grease or the like.

In the accompanying drawing Ihave illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention from which its construction and advantages will be as readily apparent. In the drawing:

Fig. l is a perspective view of the upper surface of my device. v

Fig. 2 is a similar view of the bottom surface of my device.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. l, and Fig. 4 is a section on the line 5-4 of Fig. 1. In accordance with my invention I mold from any suitable substance a shovel-like head S. As my device is of general utility, I prefer that it be formedof Neoprene soas-to be resistant to grease and the like.

The head 8 includes an elongated portion l having an end 2. The portion i is formed with an aperture 3 for the handle 6 which aperture extends substantially the length of the portion l which is uniformly reinforced by the handle 6.

The lower surface of the portion l is rectangular and the upper edge of the end 2 defines the plane of the scraping edges of the integral portions 6, 5 and S, the straight edges of which establish respectively the front. the sides disposed at right angles to the front, and the corners connecting the sides 5 to the end 2 and defining between them the portion 1.

As will be noted from the drawing, the upper surface of the portion l includes the portions 7 and 8 parallel with the lower surface of the portion I. The upper surfaces of the portions 4, 5. 8 and! each slope inwardly at the same angle relative to the plane of their edges, establishing valleys 9 defining the several portions and imparting to the portion 8 the same shape as that presented by the contour of the head S (see Figs.

3 and 4). The lower surfaces of the portions l,

5, 8 and l extend downwardly and inwardly from 5 their edges at a uniform angle lesser than the angle of their upper surfaces. The lower surfaces merge with the portion 9 along the line it slightly above the lower surface thereof. The portions 6 merge with the portion i along the line H which advances to the top of the portion 5 so that the portions 6 and the portions 5 and b are similarly shaped in cross section.

It will be noted that the edges of the portions R 8 and 5 are equidistant from the handle H estabe lishing an even reenforcement except at the corners presented by these portions which may be as a consequence more readily deformed as required byuneven surfaces.

It will be appreciated that the edges of the $9 portions d and t maybe used to clean glass or the like. The use of my device as a shovel or scoop will also be readily apparent. It will also i be appreciated that the edges of the portions t and 5 may be utilized to scrape-cooking utensils 3 and while possessed of the requisite rigidity, the corners presented thereby may be readily de-= formed as required in cleaning irregular surfaces.

. My invention is therefore well adapted to a great variety of cleaning uses and is as durable 39 in construction as it is attractive in design.

-What I therefore claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: I V

i. A combination shovel and cleaning device comprising a handle and a head portion, said 35 head including a central portion having top and bottom parallel surfaces and marginal portions upwardly tapering in cross section to present straight scraping edges above the top surface of said central portion and to establish a collectin pocket, said marginal portions comprising a wide front, sides disposed at right angles thereto, a narrow end, and corners intermediate said sides and said end, the upper surfaces of said control and marginal portions establishing valleys defln- 45.

ing said marginal portions and imparting to said top surface of said central portion a shape similar to the contour presented by said head.

2. A combined shovel and scraper comprising a generally fiat blade of elastic material having a 50 relatively thick central portion and front and side marginal portions inclined upwardly and outwardly relative to'said central portion and tapered to relatively thin, straight edges. disposed above the upper face of said central portion, 5

the upper, rear marginal portion of said blade being disposed above the upper face of said central portion and cooperating with said upwardly and outwardly inclined front and side marginal 5 portions to provide in the top of said blade a pocket to receive and hold matter shoveled onto the blade, and a handle attached to said blade and extending rearwardly from the rear end thereof.

10 3. A combined shovel and scraper comprising a generally flat blade of elastic material having a relatively thick central portion and a front marginal portion inclined upwardly and outwardly relative to said central portion and tapered to a 15 relatively thin, straight edge disposed above the upper face of said central portion, the upper portions of the side and rear marginal portions of said blade being disposed above the upper face of said central portion and cooperating with said 20 upwardly and outwardly inclined front marginal portion to provide in the top of said blade a pricket to receive and hold matter shoveled onto the blade, and a handle attached to said blade and extending rearwardly' from the rear end thereof.

4. A combined shovel and scraper comprising a generally flat blade of elastic material having a relatively thick central portion and at least one side marginal portion inclined upwardly and outwardly relative to said central portion and tapered to a relatively thin, straight edge disposed above the upper face of said central portion, the upper portions of the rear, fronttand opposite side marginal portions of'said blade being disposed above the upper i'ace of said central portion and cooperating with the upwardly and outwardly inclined marginal portion of said first mentioned side to provide in the top of said blade a pocket to receive and hold matter shoveled onto the blade, and a handle attached to said blade and extending rearwardly from the rear end thereof.

DON C. HUBBARD. 

